Journeys in Japan

Kinosaki Onsen, one of the most famous hot spring resorts in western Japan; handicraft made with straw; retro game arcade.

A visit to Oshu in northern Japan spotlights Somin-sai, which is nicknamed the Naked Festival.

John Moore and his daughter visit Okayama to explore perceptions of red through pottery, sea bream, and swordsmithing.

Buddhist temples on the pilgrimage route to Chichibu.

In this edition of Journeys in Japan, Peter MacMillan arrives in Akiu on the cusp of spring. He discovers the history and natural beauty of the area. He hikes in the hills, meets a local artist and immerses himself in the same hot springs that were such a favorite of Date Masamune.

The fishing port of Mihonoseki, on the eastern cape of the Shimane Peninsula.

The resort island Kashiko-jima hosts the G7 summit in Japan; pearl farms; pearl shop; Minamiise, Mie; catching seafood; a farmer harvests fruit in a citrus orchard; traditional charcoal kiln.

Tendo City in Yamagata Prefecture, which is a major producer of pieces for shogi (Japanese chess), is visited. Included: a shogi-piece craftsman who's also a top furniture maker.

On this edition of Journeys in Japan, Deborah Ten visits temples known for their displays of early summer flowers. She follows an ancient route, the Yamanobe Road, which has been used since the 4th century, and discovers vistas of wild flowers. And she glimpses the true face of this historic area, beyond the usual tourist trail.

The tradition of children's kabuki on festival floats has 250 years of history in Komatsu. American actor, Charles Glover travels to Komatsu, Ishikawa Prefecture, to experience this castle town's deep culture and excitement over its "Otabi" festival. A highlight of the festival, which is held in May, is the magical outdoor kabuki performance.

During several hundred years of national self-isolation, Nagasaki Prefecture served as Japan's only window to the world. Many foreign cultures flowed into this port town, nurturing the development of cuisine found nowhere else. Behind each and every dish born in Nagasaki, there's a story. David Wells gets to hear these tales from people who take pride in keeping Nagasaki's unique culinary traditions alive.

The small island of Iejima, off of Okinawa, Japan, produces original products made from sugarcane and wheat; photojournalist Kit Pancoast Nagamura enjoys the slow island life.

Takahashi City in Okayama Prefecture is a popular destination for sports climbers. Rock climbing courses were first set up here in the late 1980's, and the area is now known by the name Bichu. TV producer Christian Storms is an avid sports climber. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, he scales one of the rock walls of Bichu. He visits an island that has a long history of producing high quality granite and inspects an existing quarry. He meets a traditional craftsman who uses the local slate to carve calligraphy inkstones by hand. And he discovers the profound connection that people here have long felt for their rocks.

A visit to Sabae City in central Fukui Prefecture, which produces most of the eyewear frames sold in Japan and most lacquerware used in restaurants across the country.

John Moore discovers the ocean's bounty at Cape Soya, the northernmost tip of Hokkaido.

American photographer Anthony Wood discovers the beauty of early summer along the Hokkaido Garden Path.

The remote village of Kuma retains a historical atmosphere as a result of having been cut off from the rest of Japan in the past. Dean Newcombe explores the traditional culture of the remote Kuma district in Kumamoto.

Actor Dean Newcombe visits a Zen training temple and the SominSai festival in Japan.

A visit to Akiu, Miyagi, Japan, on the cusp of spring includes a hike in the hills, a visit with a local artist and a stop at the hot springs.

The sacred spots in Aomori, the northernmost prefecture of Japan's Honshu main island; a temple with 2,000 stone Jizo statues.

Dean Newcombe visits fascinating Tanegashima and discovers antique guns, rockets, surf and beauty.

Mt. Ishizuchi is the tallest peak in western Japan. It takes about three and a half hours to the summit if you board the ropeway for part of the journey. Janni Olsson travels to Shikoku where she explores Saijo's water culture and sacred Mt. Ishizuchi.